Sea-lion answers become newest Corwin quest

LAGUNA BEACH – When Jeff Corwin heard about the mass stranding of sea lions along Southern California's beaches he had to do something.

"I can't think of a creature more symbolic of California then the California sea lion," said the Massachusetts-based animal conservationist and TV host. "It's laced its way into the fabric of the culture and into the economy and tourism. As a biologist, they are the ultimate canary in the coal mine. When we see California sea lions disappear — 80 percent of this year's age class, it tells us there is a calamity underway."

Known as host of the Animal Planet channel's "The Jeff Corwin Experience" and "Corwin's Quest," the 45-year-old headed west with his crew to focus on the marine animal's plight. The mystery of the largest mass stranding of California sea lions in recent years was perfect for his new series, "Ocean Mysteries."

The series, recently nominated for an Emmy, covers stories connected to the watery worlds of the Earth, Corwin said. His production team spent more than a week at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, concluding today, capturing the center's staff and volunteers. About 132 sea lions are being treated for starvation, dehydration and sickness. Since Jan. 1, the center, which serves Orange County's coastline from San Clemente to Seal Beach, has taken in 325 sea lions, a record for its 42 years of service.

By the end of March, more than 1,100 sea lions pups, born on rookeries in the Channel Islands last summer, washed ashore on beaches in five counties from San Diego to Santa Barbara. In past years, about 132 pups have been stranded, on average, along the Southern California coast in a year. In Orange County last year there were 20 stranded pups; this year there have been 239 by the end of March.

Rescue centers, such as the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, were overwhelmed, leading some sea lions to be treated on a beach until a spot opened. At the peak in March, the center received 18 calls a day, keeping staff and volunteers hopping along Orange County's coastline. Many were saved; some were severely sick and died. Many weighed less than 20 pounds, about 40 pounds lighter than a 10-month old pup should be.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, a federal group charged with overseeing marine mammals and ocean life, dubbed the mass stranding an "unusual mortality event" and assembled a team of scientists in early April to investigate the cause. Early results are expected in a couple weeks.

"For us it's the ultimate ocean mystery: Why are these animals dying?" said Corwin. "Were telling the story of those trying to solve it. Why is this the greatest mortality event recorded in a long time?"

Corwin's team followed mammal-center staff on rescue trips at beaches, documented work in the intensive-care center and filmed the preparation of nutritious smoothies full of fish bits to bolster the sea lions' weight. Sea lions were tagged, and some were prepared for release. At present, the center feeds 650 pounds of fish to their patients daily.

Corwin, a wildlife biologist, also helped tube-feed some of the sea lions starting to recover and felt the skinny bodies with their ribs protruding.

"These are wild animals with mouths filled with teeth," he said. "For me, what's touching is that an animal in a desperate situation is letting its guard down. We're unrecognized partners."

Corwin said he is hopeful his audience will become stewards of the sea lions. He plans to provide an explanation about why the animals are dropping at the coastline.

"For me the humbling moment is when you open a cage (upon release) and a creature that two hours before was submissive flies out of there like a comet into the surf."